Nikolai Baskov expressed outrage and threatened to leave the show “Come On, All Together!” after a contestant, Valeria Debla, received a score of 88, narrowly missing the threshold to compete for a top-three spot. Baskov felt the score was unjust, particularly after Debla’s impressive audition.

The incident occurred during the latest episode of the show, where guest singers Alsou and Eva Vlasova were also present. Debla’s performance of Angelica Varum’s “Crazy” started strong, captivating the jury with her appearance and initial vocals. However, she encountered difficulties during the second verse, seemingly stumbling and struggling to breathe.

Vlasova noted that Debla appeared to have a dry mouth, hindering her performance. Baskov, recalling Debla’s successful audition, believed the marred ending wouldn’t significantly impact her score. However, the 88 points sparked his anger, leading him to throw the microphone and declare his intention to leave.

Vlasova supported Baskov’s reaction, acknowledging Debla’s vocal talent and suggesting that nerves may have affected her performance, drawing on her own experiences with stage fright. Baskov, deviating from his usual practice of giving all experts a chance to comment, focused on those who didn’t give Debla a point, offering her detailed feedback and praising her voice, while suggesting the song choice may have been a misstep.

Baskov then appealed to Sergey Lazarev, suggesting that Debla, who impressed at the casting call, might be brought back as a wildcard before the semi-final, an option within Lazarev’s power. The host expressed his hope that Lazarev and the hundred would support her return.

While Debla awaits a potential return, Evgeny Garanin secured a spot in the semi-final alongside Tatyana Herbina. Herbina’s performance of “I Love You to Tears” resonated deeply, moving half the hundred, including Lazarev, to tears and earning her high praise.